Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

By Gareth December 18, 2013 Read More →

Gigabyte Using The Tegra Note 7

Gigabyte are launching a new tablet based around Nvidia’s Tegra Note 7 design. During a press conference on Monday the company launched the product and it hopefully arrive in the UK soon.

“Gaming, video, and web browsing performance all come to life better and faster with the lightning-fast NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor. Immersive sound, extended battery life, and Made for Tegra gaming controllers make going mobile more exciting, longer,” reads the product page.

According to the specs, the tablet features a 7-inch LED lit IPS screen at 1280 x 800 resolution and 10-point capacitive Nvidia DirectTouch. The screen is backed by a Tegra 4 SoC clocked at 1.8 GHz, 1 GB of DDR3-1600 system memory and a 4100 mAh battery promising up to eight hours of HD video playback. Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean is the OS of choice.

For storage, the tablet provides 16 GB internally and a microSD card slot for 32 GB of additional storage. The tablet also sports a 5MP AF HDR camera on the back and a VGA camera on the front, Wireless N and Bluetooth 4.0 LE connectivity, and several sensors. Other features include HDMI output, a microUSB 2.0 port, an audio jack, a front microphone, and front-facing stereo speakers with a bass reflex port that delivers 380-12 kHz frequency response.

Posted in: News, Tablets

By Gareth December 18, 2013 Read More →

Four Tablets From Samsung For The New Year?

If the latest rumour for Samsung is accurate, then it looks like the Korean OEM is planning on pushing out twice a many Android tablets next year. According to the latest intel, Samsung is planning to release four new Android tablets, possibly as soon as the first quarter of 2014. No specific details have been shared regarding of these tablets, but speculation is that one of the first devices we will see will be the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite. We have mentioned in the past that Samsung could possibly launch a 12.2-inch version of its Galaxy Note tablet alongside a 13.3-inch Samsung tablet that will dual-boot between both Android and Windows.

Posted in: News, Tablets

By Gareth December 17, 2013 Read More →

Samsung announce a Gamepad

Samsung today introduced the Samsung Mobile Console GamePad and application to improve so popular online gaming experience for Samsung Galaxy devices.

The Samsung GamePad instantly transforms Galaxy smartphones or tablets into portable gaming console or even a home console. For its practical design and durable steel structure, the GamePad is attachable to mobile devices ranging from 4 inches to 6.3 inches, which allows users to play from anywhere. Users can also connect Galaxy devices to your TV through a HDMI cable.

The controller design is quite similar to the PlayStation controller analog sticks parallel with each other. But the GamePad is a bit smaller than a PlayStation 3 controller has a standard directional pad, two analog joysticks, four buttons and two triggers.

The press release leads us to believe that the Gamepad work with almost any Android device with Android 4.3 or higher system, but there are special services reserved for Galaxy devices. For example, the PLAY button allows users to quickly access the “Mobile Console” application to view the titles that can be purchased. Samsung says there are 35 games with the cd keys ready for launch dedicated specifically for the Gamepad.

At this time, we do not know the price of Gamepad. Currently available in selected markets in Europe and can branch to other regions in the coming weeks.

Posted in: Apps & Games, News, Phones, Tablets
Tags: Gamepad, Samsung

By Gareth December 17, 2013 Read More →

Steam Machine Prototype gets torn apart

There is always someone out there willing to pull apart their latest high-tech gadget. Today we see a tester, YouTube user Corey Nelson who has posted a number of Steam Machine related videos over the past 48 hours, taking the screw driver and pulling the whole thing apart. The specifications of this machine are reported to feature a quad-core Intel i5-4570 CPU clocked up to 3.2 GHz, 16 GB of RAM, a GeForce GTX 780 GPU with 3 GB of VRAM, an ASRock Z87E-ITX motherboard, and a Silverstone ST455F power supply.

The innards are tightly pulled together and they whole thing looks to be a high quality product with some real thought put into the layout and execution. Interestingly, there is space and connector for a second hard drive, meaning the potential of this computer/gaming system is pretty limitless.

Posted in: Apps & Games, Desktop Computing, News
Tags: Steam

By Gareth December 16, 2013 Read More →

Samsung announces Galaxy Core Advance

Samsung Electronics today introduced the Galaxy Core Advance, combining the powerful Galaxy user experience with enhanced features. The Galaxy Core Advance has a premium design, sporting a large 4.7” display as well as a soft coated back cover that makes it more durable, and giving it a soft touch, making it easier and more comfortable to grip in your hand. The Galaxy Core Advance also incorporates physical keys for frequently used features and dedicated keys for voice recorder, camera, volume, menu, home and power functions.

Together with its stylish design, Galaxy Core Advance provides a connected experience with updated Bluetooth 4.0. The Galaxy Core comes equipped with GPS with GLONASS offering improved location accuracy and NFC with S Beam so you can share information such as YouTube videos, contact details and audio files with just a tap. The Galaxy Core Advance delivers a range of smart features, including S Voice, S Translator, Sound & Shot, Group Play and Easy Mode.

To extend the Galaxy experience to more people, the Galaxy Core Advance also has convenient usability functions and enhanced accessibility features for disabled and visually impaired users. Key features include Optical Scan which automatically recognises text from an image and reads it aloud, light sensing technology that uses the camera to sense light direction and brightness, and instant voice recorder that offers simplified access to make quick voice notes. The device is also equipped with screen curtain that means you can operate commands on a black screen to ensure privacy and saves battery life, high quality TTS (text-to-speech) functionalities and voice guided camera functions so you can take pictures by reading out the number of faces detected and their standing location.

Galaxy Core Advance will be offered in Deep Blue and Pearl White. A range of dedicated accessories will also be available separately.

UK availability will be announced in due course.

Galaxy Core Advance Specifications

Network – HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 MHz (EUR)
Processor – Dual Core 1.2 GHz
Dimensions – 133.3 x 70.5 x 9.7 mm, 145g
Display – 4.7” WVGA TFT
Memory – 1GB RAM + 8GB Internal Memory, microSD up to 64GB
Camera – 5MP AF + VGA
Battery – 2,000 mAh
OS – Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Connectivity – Wi-Fi b/g/n/, 2.4 GHz; USB 2.0 H/S; NFC; BT 4.0; GPS + GLONASS

Features & Services
Sound & Shot, Group Play, S Translator, Easy Mode, S Voice, S Beam, Instant Voice Recorder, Voice Guidance (TTS, Voice Guided Camera, Text Reader), FM Radio

Posted in: News, Phones

By Gareth December 15, 2013 Read More →

Windows 8.1 and the Onscreen buttons of Blue

Renowned leakster @evleaks has shared a part of a screenshot from Windows Phone 8.1 on Twitter. The image shows on-screen touch navigation buttons. This the three-button collection of Back, Windows and Search keys very like what you might see on the more recent incarnations of Androids. @evleaks‘ tweet suggests Microsoft is going to remove the need for hardware buttons and diversify the interaction on Windows Phone devices giving OEMs the choice between hardware and virtual buttons.

Can you think of any pro’s and con’s? Hardware buttons have their limits, also they have their merits. Android devices have shown us in the past that hardware buttons can be rejigged to suit a certain hardware manufacturers’ needs and that on screen buttons can sometime be intrusive or unresponsive. However you look at it Microsoft are following suit and with luck it might be a bit of a bonus.

Posted in: News, Phones
Tags: Microsoft, Windows 8.1

By Gareth December 14, 2013 Read More →

Dell getting in on the Chromebook frenzy

Looks like Dell is planning to release a Chrome OS devices. We have hard this before as they had considered it back in 2009, but then nothing came of it. Dell has now announced the Chromebook 11 and it is looking like a great option for those looking to get a Chromebook soon. The Dell Chromebook 11 has fairly typical specifications and comes with a large focus on education.

Dell Chromebook 11 specifications

11.6-inch 1366x768p display
Intel Celeron 2955U processor
16 GB Solid State drive
4 or 2 GB of DDR3 RAM (depending on the model)
720p webcam
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0
Two USB 3.0 ports, HDMI port
10 hours of battery life

Dell’s Chrome OS computer comes with some powerful specs, so it will definitely be one of the top options in your lists. The promise of 10-hour battery life is certainly exciting, and paired with those specs this computer should run very smoothly!

Price and Availability

The laptop will be released in Q1, 2014 Stateside. Dell state it will cost you “under $300″. Which probably means it will cost $299 or so, for the higher-end model. Whether that is dollar for pound is anyone’s guess at the moment! My guess is probably.

Posted in: Laptops, News
Tags: chromebook, Dell

By Gareth December 14, 2013 Read More →

SteamOS is out there, now!

Earlier this year Steam announced they would be releasing a dedicated operating, based on Linux, for the ultimate gaming experience. Hardware could be made to run of OS, more like an Xbox or Playstation, however those with PCs would also be able to access the OS, in a dual boot mode with Windows to gain access to their gaming collection.

The main plus point is to eliminate slow down that might be due to Windows running in the back ground. A more refined operating system designed to give the best performance for you gaming experience. Also help with some of the attitude Microsoft is adopting towards the gaming platform. SteamOS is now available for download in a limited beta format.

SteamOS Download links:

According to the FAQ, SteamOS is a fork of Debian GNU/Linux. The first version (SteamOS 1.0) is called ‘Alchemist’ and it is based on the Debian ‘wheezy’ (stable 7.1) distribution. Here are the system requirements:

Intel or AMD 64-bit capable processor
4 GB or more memory
500 GB or larger disk
Nvidia graphics card (AMD and Intel graphics support coming soon)
UEFI boot support
USB port for installation

Currently SteamOS is in beta, so those without Linux knowledge may want to wait until next year for a more polished version. Reports are coming in that the downloads are failing, and Steam have recommended using some form of download manager. If you want to wait for the final hardware, we’ll see it all in January at CES.

Posted in: Desktop Computing
Tags: SteamOS

By Gareth December 13, 2013 Read More →

Will Google make a Nexus TV?

Google is apparently to be working on a Nexus TV. Google TV fans have been hoping for a Nexus-branded TV or set-top box for a long time. It seems it may be finally happening, except this rumoured device would not be Google TV that we know and somewhat ignore. More than likely this will be the oft mentioned “Android TV.”

The rumour comes from The Information, who’s sources claim this Android-based set-top box would could be released as early as the first half of 2014. This device would be able to stream video from services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube. In addition, the box would also allow you to play some video games.

This sounds a lot like Google TV, except for one factor – it will not support live broadcast TV. Which is the biggest known difference between Android TV and Google TV. What will become of the existing Google TV? I’ll this be a TV with a Chromecast built in?

So many questions and it will be a joy to find out the answers.

Posted in: News, TV & Home Cinema
Tags: google tv, Nexus TV

By Gareth December 13, 2013 Read More →

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Review

The Samsung Galaxy Note was a device that many figured would die at launch. It was a gamble thankfully turning out to be a good one. The device was the first of a new craze and met with great reviews and only the cynical labelled it “too large.” Here we are two years later and the second revision of that ground break device has been launched and the eyes are on it. Can the King of the Phablets play a hat trick?

I have used the Samsung Galaxy Note II for a full year and would continue to be using it now had it not been for a slight accident that resulted in a cracked screen, a home repair left the device non-replaceable under insurance and a tear forming in the corner of my eye. “Worry not” I figured “the Note III will be here soon and shall pack all kinds of awesome, I shall never look back.”

Certainly, it arrived with an almighty clap of thunder but I did not hit any plastic to keep it in my life, and here’s why.

Posted in: Phones, Reviews, Tablets
Tags: Featured, galaxy note 3, Phablet, Samsung

Author Archive: Gareth

Gigabyte Using The Tegra Note 7

Four Tablets From Samsung For The New Year?

Samsung announce a Gamepad

Steam Machine Prototype gets torn apart